Kuya Ja's Lechon Belly - Filipino restaurant in Kensington - 5268-H Nicholson Ln, USA

I was craving Filipino food since Kasama and did this place meet those expectations! Loved the lechon belly, sausage, and garlic fried rice. My partner got the slow cooked short ribs. If you're here, definitely get a calamansi to start and one to go. I seriously don't know how Filipino food isn't more prevalent in the US. I loved their dishes.

My first time trying filapino food and I have nothing to compare to but I can tell you it’s great food! The Hilang chicken sandwich was delicious! I didn’t realize the chicken was crispy so that’s a plus and the breading they used was very unique in a good way. Different from any crispy chicken sandwich I’ve had in the past. My brother ordered the Chori-burger and was disappointed after he took a bite out of my sandwich. Garlic fried rice is a must! Will come back

Very pleased with my first visit. Small, casual eatery serving authentic Filipino dishes (plus select desserts from sister bakery Gwenie's). An employee addressed me immediately upon entering & when I left. He took my order & was very friendly, personable, & respectful (addressed me as "Ate", which is Tagalog for "sister"). I ordered the combo lechon with garlic rice & substituted the fountain drink for calamansi juice. So delicious. The lechon was perfect...crispy skin & tender meat. Highly recommend! Definitely will return to try other menu items (even though I have to trek from Arlington, VA). Worth the trek! I have a menu suggestion though: add bistec!! 😋

The empanada - the flaky pastry outer shell encompasses the meaty curry based filling. Upon the fist bite, you’ll feel and taste the buttery, soft outer layer, followed by a hint of curry flavor meaty filling. The aroma quickly occupies the mouth and you will then nod your head in pleasure while you enjoy this. KJT’s Signature Pancit. This is not a soupy bowl of noodles. There is really no sauce that sits at the bottom or need you to mix. This is more of a stirred fried rice noodle dish. The shrimp is nicely cooked, bouncy and bity. The sausage gives it a sweet flavor which sits very nicely. The splash of lime cuts the grease and gives it a refreshing taste. PaPa B’s Fried Rice is also a staff’s favorite. There is a lot going on in that fried rice dish. You first smell the cilantro, followed by a hint of spicy, the natural sweetness of the cabbage and finally, the cumin rounds everything up. This is all happening in your mouth! Of course, you have to get the Lechon Belly. You can purchase the belly by itself, half pound increment at market price. As a sign in the restaurant suggested, Lechon Belly = Pork Belly; Pork Belly = Fat; Fat = Flavor. Highlight number one is the crispness of the skin. It’s like a crisp cookie, so crunchy and fun to chew and eat. The more you chew, the more of the porky flavor comes out. Highlight number two is the meat portion. The meat is juicy, tender and flavorful. JoKoy visited this restaurant! you can see their presence (Mike Chen from Strictly Dumpling etc) on the wall. Cute and a great little restaurant!

Sometimes the swine isn't fine but this pork belly is simply divine. It felt like I was tasting pork for the first time. The suckulate taste of the meat with the Crispy pork skin send my mouth into complete bless. The only bad thing wrong about this dish is it wasent enough lol if you want the taste the heart and soul of the Philippines then look no farther from this restaurant. Come for the tasty food, polite servers, and unique desserts. I highly recommend the experience.

Kuya Ja’s was worth the drive from DC. The lechon belly was excellent…moist tender meat and super crisp skin. The “stacked” combo (with longanisa, fried egg, garlic fried rice and a fountain drink) was filling but a bit pricey at $24. The sisig was also good but I’d probably just stick to the lechon. The space is bright and clean but seating is limited.

I haven't been here in years, but it's a staple of Rockville. Filipino influences run heavy at kuya ja and they expended their menu considerably from their infant days. I am a minimalist and ordered pork lechon over rice. Note that their "full stack lechon" has extras that the lechon off the combo menu. Being the purist I am, I got lechon over white rice. The buttery pork fat over simple white rice with a hint of tangy sauce hits the soul. It's pure, clean, and flavorful all at once. The crunchy texture of the pork skin and soft belly meat is an art in itself. It takes years of experience to get this level of production for the masses. I highly recommend getting the pork lechon combo and then work your way around to other menu items.

Phenomenal! This is my sister’s favorite neighborhood spot and I completely understand why. Went there for her birthday and got to sample the delicious menu! Best chicken adobo and pancit I’ve ever had. Most amazing and huge lumpias with an abundance of filling. The fili wings tasted a lot like lemon pepper (which is a great thing) but the tamarind flavor was still there. I did not get to try the chorizo burger but hear that it is amazing as well. I am sure the lechon is also awesome but I’m not a pork belly person so I didn’t try it. The mango cake was the best ending to one of the greatest feasts I’ve had. Highly recommend just like everyone else. You will leave happy and wanting more.